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

Just 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.