🔗 Share this article

It was eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.