🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

“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 proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.