Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
