Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
