Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
