It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
