It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
