A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
