A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
