It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. 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.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
