Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
