A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“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. After Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
