Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
