Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
