A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
