Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom 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, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, 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 could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
