🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.