🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.