Just eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
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. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
