A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
