🔗 Share this article

A mere two months ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.