A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
