Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“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 much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
