Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
