It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
