Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
