A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
