🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.