A mere two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
