It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
