A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
