🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.