A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
