It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
