A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
