Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
