🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.