Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
