It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
