Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
