A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“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 proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
