Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. 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 might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
