It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
