It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.
“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 sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
