🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned 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 exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.