Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Propels The Villans' Surprising Title Charge

A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.