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

A mere 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.