Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
