Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“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 much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
