Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.