Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause 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.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
