It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
