🔗 Share this article

It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.