Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
