Just two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
