🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.