It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team'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 was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
