It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of 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, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
