A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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 managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. 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 establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
