It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.
“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 decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
