Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post 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 a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
