🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single 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 over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.