A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
