🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.