🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.