🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.