A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
