A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
