Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
