Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
