Morgan Rogers' Rich Vein of Form Drives Villa's Surprising Title Charge

It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.