A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
