A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
