It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
