A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
