It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
