🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.