It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the side'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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
