It was 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
Maya Chen is a freelance writer and urban enthusiast with a passion for documenting city life and cultural shifts.
