Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Fuels Villa's Improbable Title Charge

Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.