🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.