🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.