🔗 Share this article

A mere 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.