Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
