Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source of 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 sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
