A mere 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
