A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
