A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
