Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
