Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
