It was two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
