Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Unlikely Title Charge

A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.