A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
This is a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
