🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.