Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
