It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
