Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
