A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
