🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.