🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international 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. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.