🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.