It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
