🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason for 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 touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.