It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
