🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.