🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.