Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
