🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening 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.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.