Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
