Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“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 proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
