It was eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying 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, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
