🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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 opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.