It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
