🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.