Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing 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 of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
