Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Drives Aston Villa's Surprising Title Charge

A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.