🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.