Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
