🔗 Share this article

A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.