🔗 Share this article

A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, 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 who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.