A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team'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 touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
