Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
