It was two months prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
