🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.