A mere 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
