A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
