🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.