🔗 Share this article

It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.