🔗 Share this article

A mere two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.