Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Drives Villa's Unlikely Championship Bid

Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.