🔗 Share this article

Just 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.