A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
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
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
