Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“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. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
