A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
