It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
