🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“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 entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.