A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
