Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
