It was 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
