A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
