It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
