It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
