Just two months prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side'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 manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
