It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
