🔗 Share this article

It was two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.