It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“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 proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
