It was eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
