Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the 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 was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
