Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
