It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
