Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
