It was eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
