Just 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
