🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent 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 a pass from Watkins.

“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. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.