It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
