🔗 Share this article

A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.