🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.