It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
