A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
