🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.