🔗 Share this article

Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.