It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
