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Aston Villa: Scott Hogan Healthy, Re-Energized

By Josh Tonti

WIGAN, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Scott Hogan of Aston Villa celebrates his goal for Aston Villa during the Sky Bet Championship match between Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa at the DW Stadium on March 18, 2017 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
WIGAN, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Scott Hogan of Aston Villa celebrates his goal for Aston Villa during the Sky Bet Championship match between Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa at the DW Stadium on March 18, 2017 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images) /
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24-year old forward Scott Hogan is finding his feet at Aston Villa. After beating yet another injury, Hogan is pushing for inclusion in the starting eleven.

Villa manager Steve Bruce beat out several Premier League clubs – most notably West Ham United – for the January signature of striker Scott Hogan.

In which, Bruce dreams of a feared strike partnership developing between the aforementioned Hogan and star man Jonathan Kodjia.

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On the surface, the deal was a curious one: a high risk, high reward gamble given several factors. For one, Hogan never played a full season above League One. The 2016-2017 season is Hogan’s first full slate in the Championship.

The energetic forward’s two previous Brentford campaigns were cut short due to knee ligament surgeries.

So when Scott Hogan was stretchered off in a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle, there were serious concerns Villa executives threw more transfer budget down the drain.

However, Hogan returned strongly. Against Wigan, the star forward pounced on an opportunity for his first career Aston Villa goal. His record, when healthy, speaks for itself: 21 goals in 35 Brentford league appearances over parts of three seasons.

How Steve Bruce puts Hogan into the lineup remains an interesting equation. Bruce has shown a tendency to prefer a 4-3-3 which leaves one striker spot for Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan. Going with a 4-4-2 – like Bruce did against Norwich City – sees one of Jedinak, Lansbury, or Conor Hourihane playing slightly out of position. Which is not a problem per se, as all three have shown versatility.

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Moreover, their ability to co-mingle in the final third will play a vital role in matches to come. Aston Villa remain just nine points off a playoff spot. It may be too late this season, but Scott Hogan’s goals could propel Villa back to the Premier League next season.

The only variable is health, and right now, Hogan is healthy and re-energized.

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