Just 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
