🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.