Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“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 was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
