A mere eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
