Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Drives Villa's Unlikely Title Charge

It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.