A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
