A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
