A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
