🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side'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, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.