It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
