A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
