Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
