🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.