🔗 Share this article

Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.