It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
