🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.