Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
