A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“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 was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
