Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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 had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
