A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
