A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
