A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
