A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
