It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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 direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
