It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
