It was two months ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
