Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
