It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
