Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
