Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Fuels Villa's Improbable Title Charge

A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.