Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
