Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
