Morgan Rogers' Scoring Streak Propels Aston Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

Just two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.