A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason 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 touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
