It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
