A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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 opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
