Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa'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 decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
