A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
