🔗 Share this article

A mere two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.