🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form 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.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.