It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds 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 Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.