It was two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
