A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side'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 touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
