🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.