A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“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 entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
