🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run 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, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.