It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
