🔗 Share this article

Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.