A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator 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.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
