Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
