It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
