A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
