Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
