A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“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 decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
