🔗 Share this article

It was 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.