A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
