Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
