Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
