It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
