🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.