A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
