Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
