Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be 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 had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
