Just two months ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
