Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“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 proved to be far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
