It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
