A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of 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, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
