🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side'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, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.