🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.