Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
