A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
