🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether 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.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.