It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
