Just eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots 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 reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
