A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
