🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.