It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
