🔗 Share this article

It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.