A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
