Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
