🔗 Share this article

It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.