A mere two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
