Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
