🔗 Share this article

It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.