A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
