Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
