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

A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.