A mere two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
