Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“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 proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
