🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.