Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
