Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, 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 centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
