🔗 Share this article

It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.