A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
