Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
