It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be 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 establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
