It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“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 far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
