It was two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
