Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
