🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.