🔗 Share this article

It was two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.