A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
