It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts 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 fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
