🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.