It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
