Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
