Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
