Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
