Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom 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.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
