Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
