A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
