Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa'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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
