It was eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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 opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
