It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side'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, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
