Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
