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

A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.