Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
