Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
