Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
