Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
