Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa'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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
