It was two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
