A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
