A mere 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
