🔗 Share this article

Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.