🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.