It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
