A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side'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, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
