A mere 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
