Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
