It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football 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. Key players might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
