Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
