Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Fuels Villa's Unlikely Title Charge

It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.