Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
