It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
