Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source 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, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
