A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
