Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
