A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
