A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
