It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
