Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
