🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.