It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
