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

Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.