It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
