🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.