Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Propels Villa's Surprising Championship Bid

A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.