🔗 Share this article

It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.