A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
