It was two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
