🔗 Share this article

A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.