Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source 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, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
