Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Fuels Aston Villa's Unlikely Title Charge

Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.