Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Propels Villa's Improbable Title Charge

Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.