Just eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
