A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
