Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
