It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason 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, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
