A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
