Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
