It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
