Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa'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 manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.