🔗 Share this article

A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.