It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.
Per the data, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
