Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
