It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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 had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
