It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of 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 was far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
