🔗 Share this article

Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.