🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.