Just eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
