🔗 Share this article

Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.