🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.