🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.