A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
