Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
