Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form 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.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
