Just eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
