🔗 Share this article

A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.