A mere 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
