Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
