Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
