Just 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
