A mere two months ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
