A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.