It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
