It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
