Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
