Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Propels Aston Villa's Improbable Title Charge

It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.