It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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 shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
