🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.