A mere 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
