Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Fuels The Villans' Surprising Title Charge

Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.