Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

It was eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.