Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
