It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
