🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.