It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“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 proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
