Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
