Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form 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 touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
