A mere two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
