🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the side'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, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.