A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
