It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
