Just two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
