A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
