A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
