Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
