Just eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
