🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.