Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Fuels Aston Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.