It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
