Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
