Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa'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 manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
