It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
