A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
