🔗 Share this article

It was two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.