Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
