It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause 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, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
