🔗 Share this article

It was two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.