A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
