Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
