It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
