Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
