🔗 Share this article

A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.