A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
