Just two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine 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 feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
