Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
