🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.