A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
