Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
