A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
