It was two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
