It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
