🔗 Share this article

A mere two months prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.