🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

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

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.