Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom 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.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
