Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
