🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.