🔗 Share this article

Just two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.