It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
