A mere two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
