🔗 Share this article

A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.