🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.