Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Drives The Villans' Surprising Title Charge

A mere two months ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.