A mere two months prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
