Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
