Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
