It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“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 entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
