It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
