A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
