🔗 Share this article

Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.