🔗 Share this article

It was two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.