Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.