🔗 Share this article

It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.