It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“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 much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
