It was eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause 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.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
