A mere two months prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
