It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle 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.
