Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
