Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
