It was two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
