It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
