It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
