Just 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
