🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.