Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa'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 touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be 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 and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
