It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
