🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.