A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
