It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.