Just two months prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause 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.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
