🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.