It was two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
