It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
