Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
