Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Drives Villa's Improbable Championship Bid

Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.