A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. 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 all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
