It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances 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.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
