🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.