Just two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
