A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. 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, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
