It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
