A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
