It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
