Morgan Rogers' Golden Spell Fuels Villa's Improbable Title Charge

A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.