Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Fuels The Villans' Improbable Title Charge

A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.