A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
