A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
