Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
