🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as 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. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.