Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of 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, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
As per the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
