A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
