Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.