🔗 Share this article

It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“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 far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.