A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
