A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
