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

A mere two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.