It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
