A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
