🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.