🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.