It was two months prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
