It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
