🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.