🔗 Share this article

A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.