A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“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 decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
