It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has 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 Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
