A mere eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
