It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
