It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
