A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
