Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of 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, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
