A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.
According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
