🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team'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, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.