Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
