🔗 Share this article

Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause 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.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.