Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
