Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
