It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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 registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
