It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“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 proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period 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, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
