Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
