A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
