A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
