A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
