🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.