It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
