🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.