🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.