Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
