🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side'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 was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.