Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
