Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
