🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.