🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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 had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.