Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source 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 manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
