🔗 Share this article

It was two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.