Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
