A mere 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom 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.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
