Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Drives Villa's Surprising Push for Glory

Just two months ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.