A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom 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.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
