It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator 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, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
