A mere two months ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
