Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
