It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
