Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.