It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
