It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source for the team'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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
